Comparison of outcomes between overlapping-spot and single-spot photodynamic therapy for circumscribed choroidal hemangioma

AIM: To compare the efficacy and safety of photodynamic therapy(PDT) with overlapping multiple spots and single spot for treating circumscribed choroidal hemangioma. · METHODS: Twenty-two patients(22 eyes) with symptomatic circumscribed choroidal hemangioma received PDT treatment. Fourteen patients received overlapping spots(two to three spots) PDT,whereas eight patients received single-spot PDT. Laser was used at 50J/cm2for 83s in the overlapping-spot group and 50J/cm2for 166s in the single-spot group. Clinical examination,funduscopy,fluorescein angiography,and ultrasonography were performed at baseline and after treatment. ·RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 28.5 ±8.0 months in the overlapping-spot group and 27.0 ±5.0 months in the single-spot group. Nine patients(64.2%) had their vision improved over two lines on the Snellen chart,and five patients showed stable visual acuity in the overlapping-spot group. The mean thickness of tumor decreased from 2.7 ±0.8mm to 1.2±0.9mm,and the mean greatest tumor linear dimension decreased from 7.4 ± 1.5mm to 4.5 ±3.5mm after treatment. In the single-spot group,two patients(25%) had their vision improved over two lines on the Snellen chart,and six patients had unchanged stable vision. The mean tumor thickness in this group decreased from 2.5±0.7mm to 1.4±1.0mm,and the mean greatest tumor linear dimension decreased from 7.2±1.3mm to 4.7±3.6mm. No significant differences in visual improvement and tumor regression were found between the two groups. ·CONCLUSION:Overlapping-spotPDTunderappropriate treatment parameters and strategies is as effective andsafe as single-spot PDT for treating symptomatic circumscribed choroidal hemangioma. Improved or stabilized visual acuity was achieved as a result of tumor regression.